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Talk of the Course Episode 6 - Richard Layton Charity Raceday: Mental Health Awareness Week
The Richard Layton Charity Raceday, which won the Racing Together Community Award at the 14th annual RCA Showcase Awards, is the focus of a powerful new video launched recently.
The video tells the story of an initiative created in memory of Richard Layton, a much-loved local farmer and member of the Herefordshire community who tragically lost his life to suicide in 2023, and the Hereford Racecourse team’s commitment to making mental health the front runner.
Recognising the silent mental health crisis impacting rural communities - in 2023 alone, seven farmers in Herefordshire tragically took their own lives - the Hereford Racecourse team created a safe space for those affected by Richard’s death, the wider farming community and local residents to come together, share their experiences and learn about mental health support. The inaugural raceday in November 2024 raised over £50,000 for three charities: We Are Farming Minds, Midlands Air Ambulance and The Injured Jockeys’ Fund.
The initiative was praised by the independent RCA Showcase Awards judging panel as an outstanding example of community engagement in British racing, with Camilla Esling and Katie Mansell attending the awards at York Racecourse in November to accept the award on behalf of the racecourse.
Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team.
The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms.
View other Talk of the Course episodes and more from the RCA here
